Handwriting is super personal; you can often tell who the writer is with just a quick glance. And weddings - and their invitations - should be just as personal! Calligraphy is a beautiful way to add that intimate touch to such a special document, and Tim Blair of Well Written Calligraphy knows that all too well. Lucky for us, he's here to help us figure out which fonts are the best fit for every wedding out there!

And since a majority of invitations are designed and printed using computer fonts and stock or semi-custom designs, and with time, cost and expediency as real and limiting concerns, here's how to choose the style(s) that are the best fit for your big day!

1. Complementary

My main rule is your most important one – complementary! The font or fonts you choose need to relate to your event and the design decisions you’ve already made! Fonts for a large elaborate black tie event are more elaborate than those for cozy outdoor weddings. In this very simple chart below you can start to get a sense of how this could be put into practice:

2. Cohesion

Additionally, lettering on everything should be cohesive! Cohesive does not mean "the same" though. As you make selections consider how you are going to address your envelopes? Put names on place cards? Create programs? All of the lettering should work together, so it's important to know the methods you are going to rely on to produce everything so that nothing stands out as being noticeably different. Before you chose a font for your invitations consider these questions:

a. Is a calligrapher going to address your envelopes or place cards? Find out what fonts he or she can match!

b. Is someone you know going to address your envelopes or place cards? Look at their handwriting and get a feel for how it looks. If they write in an upright style, chose something also upright for your invitation.

c. Are you going to print some things yourself? If you are going to print programs or the envelopes on your home computer or at print shop, see what font choices they have. Not all scripts are the same, and they don’t all coordinate. If you are going to rely on computer fonts you have available to you, make sure the invitation is similar.

d. After you know how everything is going to be produced, you can make sure ALL the fonts are cohesive. Here's a little trick: If you are going to print things in a variety of ways from many sources, a good way to keep things cohesive is to find a simple (not script) font that is available on almost any computer. Add script to things you’d like to stand out, like your names on the invitation or to the headings in a program.

But, regardless of size, taste or budget, planning for your wedding should be fun and always personal. If you like something, that’s really the most important thing!

We're excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don't miss out!